<\/p>\n
THE MONASTERY OF MARMASHEN<\/strong> <\/p>\n The monastic complex of Marmashen is situated in Shirak Region, 2 km south-west from Vahramaberd village, on the left bank of Akhuryan River. The monastery is one of the best groups of monuments. It was a prominent cultural and religious center of Medieval Armenia. The complex consists of 2 groups of monuments \u2013 Big and Small (Upper). The Big group of monuments includes the church of Katoghike, 3 churches, narthex and cemetery.<\/p>\n Katoghike<\/strong>– is the main church of the big group of monuments. According to the inscription engraved on the south wall the church was built by Vahram Pahlavuni, 988-1029. The church is a domed hall with 2 pair pilasters. The pilasters were elaborated with a bunch of up-soaring columns. The main apse is decorated with niches and outwardly the fa\u00e7ades are decorated with a pair of pilasters and ornamental arcade which is stretched on them. The 12 faceted drum is covered with an umbrella-shaped calotte which is decorated with a bunch of pilasters connected with small fronton. Second church <\/strong> – is situated at the northern side of Katoghike at a distance of about 9 km. it was probably built at the same time. It is a small copy of Katoghike with its structure, details and decoration. Only the northern and eastern walls have been protected.<\/p>\n Third church<\/strong> – is located at the southern side of Katoghike. It was built in XI century. Inwardly it is a cruciform structure with the vestries in 4 corners, outwardly rectangular, central domed structure.<\/p>\n Forth church<\/strong>\u2013 is situated at the south-western side of the complex. It was opened during the excavation 1954-56. Outwardly it is round, inwardly it is a domed structure of X I century with 4 apses. The lower 2 rows of the walls, the stylobate have been protected.<\/p>\n Narthex<\/strong> \u2013 is adjacent to the church of Katoghike from the western side. It is a centralized, four-pillared structure. It served as a shrine. Vahram Pahlavuni buried here. At the end of XIX century his tombstone was replaced by a new one. The lower parts of the walls and the pillars have been protected. Cemetery<\/strong> \u2013is spread in the southern and eastern sides of the group of monuments. Church<\/strong> \u2013is also known as Old or Fifth church. It is situated on the hill at the northern side from big monastery. It is domed structure with a cruciform plan which is attributed to the X-XI centuries. Now it is ruined.<\/p>\n Cemetery<\/strong> – is spread around the small monastery. Here is buried the ashes of Sophia \u2013wife of Vahram Pahlavuni. Here is also buried the architect Shnavorik. <\/p>\n The monastery was repaired many times. In 1870 the monastery was repaired by Mkrtich Jalalyan and founded a school. In 1990 restoration works were carried out in the monastery by the Catholicos Mkrtich I Vaneci ( Khrimyan Hayrik). From 1950\u2019s restoration works have been carried out regularly. The main leterature: \n\t\t
\nShirak region
\nv. Vahramaberd
\nstate index 7. 108. 10<\/p>\n
\nThe church of Katoghike is one of the best examples of Armenian architecture- the school of Ani. It is supposed that the church was built by architect Trdat.<\/p>\n
\nSome parts of water conduit of the monastery were found at the western side of the narthex.<\/p>\n
\nSmall or Upper group of monuments includes the only church and the adjacent cemetery.\n<\/p>\n
\nIn 2001 the church of Katoghike was repaired by the efforts of the Italian benefactress Gayane Kaznati.<\/p>\n
\nGh. Alishan, Shirak, Venetik, 1881.
\nV. Harutyunyan, The History of Armenian Architecture, Yerevan, 1992.
\nS. Saghumyan, The monastery of Marmashen, Vagharshapat, 1998.
\nH. Yeghiazaryan, The monastery of Marmashen and its lithographys, Ejmiatsin, 1957.<\/p>\n